Customer Reviews

Decoupage: Transforming Junk Into Stunning Items for the Home

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

"Restyling Junk...." is an aptly titled and valuable source book of ideas. There are before and after photographs which feature every type of material - timber, plastic, metal, paper, glass, cane - which have been transformed. The methods are explained clearly and unambiguously and would inspire the novice to begin or encourage the experienced to try something different. I did not always like the way the author decorated her "junk", but her easy style of writing made me view the oddments in my garage with a new eye. The opening section describing basic tools and equipment is very comprehensive and also sensibly cost effective. This is a good practical addition to my library.

I was looking for a book that had lots of neat techniques, lots of information on how to do them, and some great inspirations for going to that flea market and findin some raw materials to play around with. This book attempts to do that but falls pretty short. The techniques are few - they're on pages 12-19. The first two pages are a quick intro to decoupage then the following pages have a couple ideas on finishes (1 page on distressed paint fiish, 1 page on crackle finish, 1 page on metal gilding - and that's it) The rest of the book (the other 40 pgs) is a collection of projects like lacquerwork, doing a decoupage plate etc) The print in the book is not even a high quality job - unless I just got a bad run - the words themselves are blurry (yea, I have my glasses on :) Anyway, I was not impressed with this one - would not buy it again and am still looking for a good book that is more true to the title. The only reason I'm giving it 3 stars is that it does have a few neat ideas but nothing more than that.

Books on decoupage have proliferated during the last three years as publishers attempt to jump on the band wagon of this rapidly growing art form; not all the books available are of the first quality. This volume by Jane Gordon-Smith is, however, useful for those wanting to quickly add stylish effects to their tired looking furniture or to transform a junk shop find. Beginers and more advance decoupeurs will find the clear instructions and excellent photographs enough to produce very pleasing results.This is not the old style "forty coats of varnish" decoupage but a well adapted variation for busy enthusiasts. A good buy.